Answer: Spring registration opens mid-November and runs through the first week of February. An early bird discount of $25 is offered for players that register and pay for their player prior to 12/15 each year. Fall registration opens in early August and runs through late August. Check specific dates each year on the MPTLL Calendar.

Question: What is the cost to participate?

Answer: Spring T-Ball is $150 per player if registered and paid prior to 12/15. Otherwise T-Ball is $175 per player if payment is received after 12/15. Fall T-Ball is $100 per player. Spring coach pitch, machine pitch and kid pitch is $200 per player if registered and paid prior to 12/15. Otherwise these programs are $225 per player if payment is received after 12/15. Fall baseball (coach pitch, machine pitch and kid pitch) is $150 per player. Spring softball is $200 per player if registered and paid prior to 12/15. Otherwise softball is $225 per player if payment is received after 12/15. Fall softball is $150 per player.

Question: How do I register?

Answer: Online at http://www.mptll.org by clicking the registration link available on our homepage during open registration periods. Additionally, MPTLL will host a walk-up registration each year at Dick's Sporting Goods at Southpark as well as various Grier Heights locations. Parents can find those specific dates, times, and locations by checking the league calendar.

Question: Do you offer scholarships?

Answer: Yes, thanks to our generous sponsors, we can offer partial and full scholarships utilizing the local school system free lunch program as a guide. To inquire about obtaining a scholarship, please click this link to complete a scholarship request.

Question: Can I request that we are placed on a team that only practices or play games on specific days of the week?

Answer: There is really no way to guarantee that a player can be placed on a team with a certain schedule. Several factors are in play. Except for T-Ball, all other players are drafted by the coaches, i.e. the league does not create the teams. Also, the practice schedules for all age groups and leagues tend to rotate somewhat during the year. This allows the League to balance the fields, time slots and days of the week.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Question: How do I determine my child's Little League age?

Answer: MPTLL offers baseball for ages 4-14 years old based on the 2018 Little League age chart below. Parents can use the chart below or follow this link to use Little League's Age Calculator and determine their players age or use the table below as a reference.

Question: Who is eligible to register/participate at MPTLL?

Answer: Players are eligible to play T-Ball and Baseball at MPTLL if they reside, OR the physical location of the school where they attend classes is, within the boundaries provided to, and approved by, Little League® International. For players that attend a school in the MPTLLboundary the easiest way to confirm player eligibility is to provide proof of school enrollment for the current academic year, dated prior to October 1,2017 with the physical address of the school using the Little League® school enrollment form. Unlike previous seasons, a school-issued report card/performance record will not be accepted by Little League®. Parents who have provided a school enrollment form for their player(s) in a previous season can reuse the same form as long as the player(s) attends the same school. If the player(s) has switched schools a new school enrollment form is required. If parents choose instead to provide three (3) proof of residency documents the documents must be dated or in force between 2/1/17 and 2/1/18; must include the parent(s) or guardian(s) name, street address, city, state and zip code information; and must contain one document from each group listed in the diagram below. Finally, parents who previously established “residence” or “school attendance” in order for their player(s) to participate as a member of an all-star tournament team may use that players Tournament Player Verification form with proper proofs and signatures to confirm player eligibility (assuming the information hasn't changed).

Question: What is the Myers Park Trinity Little League Boundary map?

Answer: The MPTLL boundary map is provided below. As documented in the previous question a player is eligible to play T-Ball and Baseball at MPTLL if they reside, OR the physical location of the school where they attend classes is, within the boundaries provided to, and approved by, Little League® International.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Question: What equipment is needed to participate?

Answer: Registration fees cover the cost for a uniform (hat, jersey, socks, and belts – no belts for Tee-Ball). The league equips teams with catcher's gear, batting helmets, and hitting machines for machine-pitch divisions. Players are expected to provide their own fielding glove and safety equipment (i.e., protective cup for catchers). Baseball cleats (no metal spikes) are recommended. Players typically prefer to use their own bats but it is not a requirement.

Question: Is it true the bat I bought for my player last year (2017) cannot be used again?

Answer: PLEASE NOTE, NEW LITTLE LEAGUE BAT STANDARDS take effect JANUARY 1, 2018. As a result, the only approved bats after January 1, 2018 are those with the USA BASEBALL stamp of approval (See below).

To help parents, an online resource page dedicated to baseball bat information, including the latest bat rules and regulations is maintained by Little league. Click here to review the new USA Baseball Bat Standard being implemented. The new bats started hitting retail shelves in September, 2017 and parents considering a new bat for their player need to review this list of approved bats before purchasing: Little League Bat Information website.

Answer: The first thing to make sure is that the bat is on the Little League approved list of bats. Beginning in 2018 the bat must meet the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat). All T-Ball bats in the Little League Baseball® T-Ball program must feature the USA Baseball mark and accompanying text. Bats for the major and minor leagues must contain the new USA Baseball marking and have a maximum barrel of 2 5/8”.

T-Ball bats: -10.5 to -14 length-to-weight ratio and are meant for youth players who are hitting baseballs or softballs placed on a tee.

Coach Pitch bats: -9 to -12 length-to-weight ratio and meant for players who are in coach pitch leagues and for velocities less than 40 mph.

Answer: The “drop” as some may call it, or the number with the minus in front of it as others call it, or the length-to-weight ratio. What this term defines is the difference between the length of the bat in inches and the weight of the bat in ounces. The larger the number, the lighter the bat. Bats come in a variety of length-to-weight ratios varying anywhere between a -3 to a -14. Example: If you have a -11 length-to-weight ratio and a 30-inch bat, you will subtract eleven from the 30 inches, and that will give you the weight in ounces (19 ounces). 30 (bat length) - 11 (the drop) = 19 (bat weight)

Question: How do I determine the length and weight my player should be using?

Answer: Use your player’s height and weight and then review the chart below to determine bat length. As far as the best bat weight, it is difficult to make a recommendation because it will vary from player to player depending on personal preference, hitting style, bat speed, and strength.

Question: What barrel diameter do I need?

Answer: The approved barrel diameter of a bat may vary. However according to 2018 LIttle League rules bats may not be larger than 2 â…”. The best advice is to make sure the bat has the USA Baseball stamp of approval (see below).

Answer: One is not better than the others. Each material is going to offer unique pros and cons. What it ultimately comes down to is personal preference. Aluminum or Alloy is going to offer more of a “ping” sound on contact. These bats will not require a break-in period, and they are going to be at its peak performance right out of the wrapper. Alloy bats are susceptible to denting toward the end of their lifespan. Composite is going to offer more of a “crack” or “thud” sound on contact. Some composite bats may require a slight break-in period of about 50 swings off a tee or soft-toss, but due to regulation changes, many are as good as alloy out of the wrapper. Composite bats are susceptible to cracking toward the end of their life-spans. These bats are composed of carbon, glasses, and Kevlar fibers that are embedded in a plastic resin. Hybrid bats are going to offer a lightweight composite handle with an alloy barrel which is said to reduce handle vibration. Wood is provided in a variety of options. Maple, Birch, and Ash are the most popular. Wood bats offer that classic and authentic feel but are more susceptible to cracking and breaking in comparison to aluminum and composite bats. Bamboo bats look and perform like a wood bat, but Bamboo is technically a grass. These Bamboo billets are comprised together to make a single bat and are often more durable than a natural cut wood bat.

Question: Should I buy a one-piece or a two-piece bat?

Answer: One-piece bats are stiffer in comparison to a two-piece bat and will offer less flex during a player’s swing. These bats tend to be geared more toward a power hitter with above average swing speed. Two-piece bats will offer more flex during a player’s swing. This causes a whip-like action through the swing zone and results in more inertia and power. These bats tend to be geared more towards a contact hitter or a hitter that could use assistance in improving bat speed. Because the handle is separate from the barrel, two-piece bats tend to help mitigate felt vibration on mishit balls.

Question: Do I need a balanced or an end-loaded bat?

Answer: Balanced bats will have their weight distributed evenly throughout the entire length of the bat and are geared more towards your average player with average or slower bat speeds. End-loaded bats have a portion of their weight focused towards the end of the barrel and are geared more towards your power hitters looking to hit for the fence.

Question: Which bat offers the biggest sweet spot and the most “pop”?

Answer: Typically, a larger barrel diameter will result in a larger sweet spot or hitting surface. The pop of a bat is not a physically measured feature. It will vary from player to player and bat to bat.

Question: Do bats require break in time?

Answer: Aluminum / Alloy bats do not require a break-in period. These bats are “hot out of the wrapper” and can be used in a game right away. Composite bats may require a break-in period typically about 50 swings off a tee or by soft toss with a ¼" rotation of the barrel after each swing.

Question: How long or how many seasons will a bat last?

Answer: Bats cannot be guaranteed to last a specific amount of time or a specific number of seasons because of so many variables. These variables include the amount of use the bat receives, the number of players using the bat, and how well the baseball bat or softball bat is protected. Most alloy and composite bats do feature a manufacturer’s warranty.

Question: Are there any tips for taking care of a bat?

Answer: Limit the bat to individual use. Do not use in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not store the bat in extremely hot or cold temperature areas. Do not use the bat to hit the dirt off your cleats. Use regulation leather covered baseballs and softballs. Avoid the dimpled yellow cage balls. Do not hit waterlogged balls. Routinely check your bat for any damage. Rotate your bat ¼ turn each swing to distribute the hitting surface evenly.

Question: Do bats come with a warranty? What do I do if my bat breaks or otherwise becomes defective?

Answer: Not all bats feature a warranty, but most alloy and composite bats feature a full twelve-month manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties will differ from bat to bat. If your baseball bat or softball bat should break or become defective, and it comes with a warranty, you need to go through the warranty replacement process with the manufacturer. Check the manufacturers website to find out their process.

COACHES & VOLUNTEERS

Question: What are all the ways I can help volunteer for the league?

Answer: There are several areas that the League needs volunteers annually, including coaching, concession stand help, grounds crew, sponsorship, administrative help, team moms, and registration help. If you are interested, please complete the volunteer information form on our Volunteer page.

Question: How much time is required to be a t-ball coach?

Answer: Head coach requires a nominal amount of time. The league provides significant support, helping with practice plans, fundamentals, and instructional tips. The league does not want, lack of comfort level with coaching, to affect a decision to volunteer.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

Question: It rained, is raining, or will rain. How do I know if the fields are open for games and practices?

Answer: The main method of announcing that the fields are closed via text and email to impacted parents and coaches. Coaches are asked to follow up with parents to make sure they receive the league communication. Coaches may decide to get together for a chalk session, or maybe try to go indoors, or in some cases to use the batting cages at the fields. In addition we will announce updates on each team page, on FaceBook, Twitter, and our mobile app. To make sure you receive email and text alerts parents should login to the league website and subscribe via their account profile. Please understand, we try to balance waiting as long as possible to give us the best chance of playing or practicing versus providing ample time for the word to get out if we do close the fields. In general, this call is made each day between 3pm – 4pm.

Note that if the league closes the fields, it means that the fields are completely closed. No team is allowed on the fields. Teams scheduled for the fields that are playable keep their game/practice slot. It is the luck of the draw.

CHALLENGE BASEBALL

Question: What is a sample schedule for Challenge teams so families can understand the pattern of practices, games and travel required?

Answer: The best place to see specific dates is the league calendar. In general, challenge team tryouts for the spring occur the first or second weekend of February. Teams practice on Sunday afternoons starting the third week of February through Memorial Day weekend (last weekend in May). Four of those weekends (two in March, one in April, and Memorial Day weekend) teams are encouraged to play weekend tournaments in the Charlotte, Gastonia, and Rock Hill area. For the fall season, tryouts take place the second or third weekend in August and teams begin practicing on Sunday afternoons after the teams are announced. Teams will practice on Sunday afternoons in September and October unless they are playing in tournaments. Generally, teams will play locally in two weekend tournaments in September and one in October. In addition, teams play one additional weekend tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC or Pigeon Forge, TN at one of the Cal Ripken Tournament facilities. It should be noted every team is different and specific tournament dates and various factors determine the schedules for each team.

Question: What is the additional cost of playing on a Challenge team?

Answer: Generally fees vary from $150 to $375 per season. The reason for the large discrepancy is a result of variables including the following:

Does the team need uniforms? Teams getting started will need to purchase uniforms and necessary equipment. MPTLL has learned over time to purchase 18 full sets of uniforms to allow for player turnover from season to season. Uniforms usually last 2-3 years before teams outgrow their uniforms. Typically, teams will get uniforms before their 8 year old season and their 10 or 11 year old season.

What type of tournaments will the team play? There are four main tournament organizations where MPTLL teams participate. HQ4 is where our younger teams play as they get their introduction to travel/tournament baseball. HQ4 is also the cheapest of the four main organizations. Top Gun Sports and USSSA are two additional competing organizations where our teams participate. Tournament fees for those organizations are similar but they are higher than HQ4. Finally, Cal Ripken is a fourth organization and their tournaments are the most expensive of the four groups. In addition to tournament fees, each tournament organization requires teams to pay a sanctioning fee and have proof of team insurance at all times. The fees paid to one organization doesn't apply when entering a tournament for a different organization. Therefore, challenge coaches are encouraged by the MPTLL Challenge committee to pick one organization and play exclusively with them throughout the season (spring or fall) to minimize the fees being paid by parents.

Is travel required and if so, does the coach have a child playing on the team? Fall teams typically travel to Myrtle Beach, SC or Pigeon Forge, TN as a finale to the season. Parents are responsible for lodging expenses for the coach if he/she doesn't have a player on the team. As a result, some teams will have higher fees to account for coaching travel expenses.

How many players are on the team? Dividing the total expenses amongst 11 players will result in higher fees than teams that have 15 players. Typically challenge teams have 12 or 13 players but in some cases those numbers vary.

FIELDSQuestion: Where are the fields located?

Answer: MPTLL has a variety of fields under contract through the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation. A list of our fields can be found here.

Question: The fields are always in great shape. Does Mecklenburg County take care of the MPTLL fields?

Answer: No. Charlotte Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation does not maintain our fields. They cut the grass in the common areas outside the fences of the playing fields, but MPTLL maintains the playing fields. In fact, MPTLL volunteers built all the fields at Randolph Park. In addition, we raised or borrowed money and paid for the fences, lights, irrigation systems etc. Our A+ grounds crew maintains our fields. Want to help? Send an email to
.

PRACTICE & GAME SCHEDULE

Question: When do games start? When is the season over?

Answer: Opening Day, is typically the last Saturday in March. Closing ceremonies are typically held the first Saturday in June. Softball ends their season in mid-May. T-Ball ends their season prior to Memorial Day weekend in May. Baseball (AAA-Coach pitch, American League, National League and Major League) close their regular season typically on the first Saturday in June. Junior Little League baseball completes their regular season at the end of June. Consult the league calendar on the website for exacts dates for this season.

Question: What days are games played? What time are games played during the week and on weekends?

Answer: Generally, games are played Monday – Thursday evenings and on Saturday. Occasionally, weather cancellations or other interruptions in the schedule require games on Friday or Sunday. Week night games are played at 5:30pm or 7:30pm. Younger age groups (6, 7, 8) rarely, if ever play 7:00pm late games. Games are played continuously throughout the day on Saturday.

Question: When do practices start?

Answer: Baseball (American League, National League and Major League) practices usually start the first weekend in March. Coach pitch and T-Ball usually start a week later. Junior little league baseball starts mid-April.

Question: What should I do if I haven’t heard from a coach and I saw teams practicing at the fields on Randolph Road?

Answer: Most of our leagues start practice around the same time; however, it is not the same day. It is possible the delay is a result of how teams are formed following tryouts. Team drafts are held each night during the week following tryouts, which is usually the last week of February. Once teams are formed, coaches begin contacting parents (typically via email). Coaches are instructed to contact parents as soon as possible to introduce themselves and to announce the date of their 1st practice. Please remember our coaches are volunteers and some travel for business. As a result, there may be a couple of days’ difference between when one coach contacts their parents versus when another coach makes contact with his parents. If you haven’t heard from a coach, and it has been 10 days since tryouts, please use this link to let us know you have not heard from a coach.

ASSESSMENTS / TRYOUTS / SKILL EVALUATIONS

Question: When are tryouts? Does T-Ball hold tryouts? Do Jr. Little League players have to tryout? Are there tryouts for Challenge Baseball?

Answer: T-Ball and Coach Pitch do not hold tryouts. Once the AL-machine pitch draft is complete, coach pitch and T-Ball teams will be formed and parents will be contacted by a coach the first week of March. Tryouts for American League, National League and Major League baseball are typically held the middle of February to avoid conflicts with President's Day weekend. Tryouts for Jr. Little League (13 and 14-year-old players) are held the first weekend in April. Challenge team tryouts are held each spring and fall season to give every player equal opportunity of making one of the teams. During the spring challenge tryouts are typically the first or second weekend in February. For the fall season challenge tryouts typically occur the third weekend in August. Consult the league calendar on the MPTLL website for specific dates each season.

Question: Do players tryout in the fall?

Answer: No, regular season fall teams are compiled by a group of coaches. The coaches try their best to create equally skilled teams for competitive balance. Players hoping for a spot on a challenge team are required to tryout in the fall.

Question: What can my player expect at tryouts?

Answer: A lot of times, tryouts can be more nerve-racking for parents as opposed to their Little Leaguer. Click here to learn more information about what happens during tryouts.

BASEBALL DIVISIONS

Question: How do I know which MPTLL division is available and/or right for my child?

Answer: Use the table below to view the 2018 league options. Find the range when your child was born and follow that row to learn more. Click anywhere on the table to zoom and view larger.

Question: Can you tell me a little more about each baseball division?

Answer: MPTLL offers the Baseball Divisions listed below. Age ranges provided below are typical for these divisions to keep kids playing age appropriate baseball. However, we offer flexibility in the division age ranges based on specific player's skill level.

T-Ball

T-Ball is for boys and girls ages 4, 5, and first time or less skilled 6-year-old players. Players will learn the fundamentals of fielding and hitting (off a tee). The primary goals are to instruct children in the fundamentals of baseball and to allow them to experience the value of teamwork. T-Ball rosters are typically composed of 10-13 players per team and tryouts/skill evaluations are not required. The T-Ball season begins in early March and will end prior to Memorial Day weekend (check the league calendar for specific dates). The cost for T-Ball is $150 if registered and paid before 12/15/17. Otherwise the program is $175 for players paying between 12/16/17 and 2/4/18.

AAA-Coach Pitch

AAA-Coach Pitch is for 6-year-old and a few 7 year old boys and girls. The primary goal in AAA-coach pitch league is to provide a developmental league for players who aren't ready for minor league machine pitch and also not challenged by playing another season of T-Ball. A strong emphasis in AAA-Coach Pitch is making sure players have an enjoyable experience while continuing to learn the fundamentals of the game. Skill evaluations are not required and players will be placed on teams. The AAA-coach pitch season begins in early March and will end the last weekend of May or the first weekend in June (depending on the league calendar). The cost for AAA-Coach pitch is $200 if registered and paid before 12/15/17. Otherwise the program is $225 for players paying between 12/16/17 and 2/4/18.

American League (AL) – machine-pitch; typically league ages 7-8 and some 6-year-old players:

6-year-old players will have advanced skills in comparison to their peers. Skills evaluations are required for these players who may be drafted to an AL-machine pitch team based on evaluation performance. If a 6-year-old player isn't drafted by an AL-machine pitch team then the player will be placed on a AAA-coach pitch team.

7-year-old players - Almost all 7-year-old players will play AL-machine pitch. Some 7-year-old players playing for the first time or players not as skilled as their peers may request to play in the AAA-coach pitch league. We encourage parents to make this decision after their 7-year-old has participated in a skills evaluation.

8-year-old players - All 8-year-old players play AL-machine pitch. Players are evaluated at a skills evaluation and drafted to a team based on their tryout performance.

The AL-machine pitch season begins with skill evaluations in mid-February and practices in early March. The season will end the last weekend of May or the first weekend in June (depending on the league calendar). The cost for AL-machine pitch is $200 if registered and paid before 12/15/17. Otherwise the program is $225 for players paying between 12/16/17 and 2/4/18.

National League (NL) - kid-pitch; typically league ages 9-12

9-year-old players - Almost all 9-year-old players play NL-kid pitch where players are evaluated at a skills evaluation and drafted to a team based on their tryout performance. For safety reasons a few less skilled or first time 9-year-old players may play in the AL-machine pitch league. MPTLL uses skill evaluations to determine the league that is right for your player.

10-12-year-old players - 10-12-year-old players will either play in the national league or themajor league. Players may not be drafted by a major league team if they have not participated in a tryout/skills evaluation. Depending on their performance at tryouts/skills evaluation players may or may not be drafted by a major league team. Players not drafted by a major league team will be drafted to play for a national league team. National league games are competitive and use the same the field dimensions and similar league rules as the major league division.

Tryouts/Skill evaluations take place in mid-February and practices begin in early March. The season ends the last weekend of May or the first weekend in June (depending on the league calendar). The cost for the national league is $200 if registered and paid before 12/15/17. Otherwise the program is $225 for players paying between 12/16/17 and 2/4/18.

Little League® (Major League Division)

The Little League (Major) Baseball Division is for baseball players league ages 10-12. 11 and 12-year-old year players drafted by a major league team during the previous season will return to their major league team and do not have to attend a tryout.

10-12-year-old players - Players may not be drafted by a major league team if they have not participated in a tryout/skills evaluation. Depending on their performance at tryouts/skills evaluation players may or may not be drafted by a major league team. Players not drafted by a major league team will be drafted to play for a national league team.

Tryouts/Skill evaluations take place in mid-February and practices begin in early March.

The season ends the last weekend of May or the first weekend in June (depending on the league calendar). The cost for the major league is $200 if registered and paid before 12/15/17. Otherwise the program is $225 for players paying between 12/16/17 and 2/4/18.

Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division

Presently MPTLL does not have an Intermediate (50/70) baseball division.

Jr. Little League Baseball Division

Junior Little League home games are played at Independence Park (Elizabeth Traditional School). Fields are a conventional 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches. Refer to the League Calendar for key dates throughout the season. All players must live in or attend a school located in the MPTLL boundary. If necessary, tryouts/skill evaluations take place the first weekend in April. Practices begin in mid-April and the season ends the last weekend of June (depending on the league calendar). The cost for Jr. Little League is $200 if registered and paid before 12/31/17. Otherwise the program is $225 for players paying after 12/31/17.

Question: I have a 6 or 7 year who hasn’t played baseball before. Should he or she play T-Ball, Coach pitch or American League?

Answer: Little League requires all 6-year-old first time players to play T-Ball or AAA-Coach Pitch before moving up the American League. For 7-year-old players, the decision is the parents, however factors should include: how athletic the child is, experience playing other organized team sports with coaches, and player maturity. The more athletic, team sport experience and mature a 7-year-old is, the more ready they are for the American League.

Question: My 6-year-old has played 1 or 2 years of T-Ball and I feel he is ready for the American League. Can I sign him up for the AL?

Answer: Yes. However, a tryout/skill evaluation is required for all players playing machine pitch (AL). League graders might recommend to League officials to place the child in coach pitch, if, based on the scores, they feel like it is in the best interest of the child.

Question: Can a young or first time 9-year-old player choose to play machine pitch an additional year?

Answer: Almost all 9-year-old players play NL-kid pitch where players are drafted to a team based on their tryout performance. For safety reasons a few less skilled or first time 9-year-old players may play AL-machine pitch. MPTLL uses skill evaluations to determine the appropriate league for your player. "Young" 9-year-old players (Sep-Dec birthdates) are encouraged to play NL-kid pitch and remain with their Little League age group. That said, parents may request for their 9-year-old to play in the AL-machine pitch but those players will not be eligible for a post-season all-star tournament team.

T-BALL 101

Question: How much time is required to be a t-ball coach?

Answer: Head coach requires a nominal amount of time per week. A typical week is 2 hours per week at the fields and approximately 30 minutes per week sending email reminders and answering parent questions. The league also provides significant support, helping with practice plans, fundamentals, and instructional tips. The league does not want, lack of comfort level with coaching, to affect a decision to volunteer.

Question: How often are practices and games?

Answer: There are usually two t-ball practices per week which includes one weekday, and Saturday. The Saturday practice is replaced with a game once the season begins. It is important to note that coaches are asked to continue to schedule practices throughout the season.

Question: What equipment does my player need? What is provided by the league?

Answer: The league provides your player a team shirt with coordinating socks and hat. It is recommended that your write the player's name on the inside of the hat when provided. The league also provides all equipment to players and teams except for gloves and cleats. Sneakers are also acceptable at this level. Most parents prefer to purchase a helmet for their player.

SCHOLARSHIPS / FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Question: Do you offer scholarships?

Answer: Yes, MPTLL has a long history of never turning away a child for financial reasons. Each year we grant between 125-150 full and partial scholarships for children playing T-ball, softball and baseball. The partial scholarship works well for those parents that can pay part of the registration fee. We ask those parents to pay what they are able, when they are able. For parents needing additional help, we also offer full scholarships that cover 100% of the cost of participation. Regardless of the circumstances related to why assistance is need, our scholarship program is there to make sure all players can play at MPTLL. If you need a full or a partial scholarship, please click this link to complete a scholarship request. All information will remain confidential.

POST SEASON

Question: What are All Stars? How are teams formed? Who coaches? When do All Star teams play?

Answer: Little League International has a long history of post season tournament play where All Star teams from each local league play each other in District tournaments. District winners advance to a State tournament. State winners advance to Regionals, and for the 12 year old players, Regional winners advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. ESPN/ABC have gotten involved and the telecast is a big deal. Teams are created by a nomination and voting process from the league’s coaches. A Head Coach is selected by the League President with input from League Coordinators and the League’s Executive Committee. The Head Coach assembles his/her assistants. All Stars start immediately following the end of the regular season. Consult the league calendar on the website for exact dates.

Question: How do I make sure my child is considered for an all-star team?

Answer: Each year Myers Park Trinity Little League sends tournament teams to play Little League tournaments for players ages 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Parents of interested and available players in these age groups are asked to respond during the all-star availability and interest registration period (typically the third week of through the end of the regular season). Simply registering your players interest and availability does not guarantee your child will be placed on a post season team. Typically, only 12-14 kids in each age group are selected. If there is enough interest and it is determined that an age group can support a second team then the league will take it under consideration. Tournament teams are selected by the Major League (for ages 10-12) and Minor League (for 8 and 9-year-old) coaches. Those selections will be made after the regular season ends. Participation on post season / all-star teams requires a substantial time commitment and the expectation is that players give priority to team activities during the relevant periods. The following serves as a general guide for what to expect (these are not confirmed or definite dates):

8-year-old: Practice begins 6/5. Practice most days through 6/9. Tournament of Champions 6/10-6/16.

9, 10, & 11: Practice begins 6/5. Practice most days through 6/9. Tournament of Champions 6/10-6/16. Practice most days 6/19-6/23. LL District 3 Tournament 6/24 through the earlier of the team’s second loss or approximately 6/30.

12-year-old: Practice begins 6/5. Practice most days through 6/9. Tournament of Champions 6/10-6/16. Practice most days 6/19-6/23. LL District 3 Tournament 6/24 through the earlier of the team’s second loss or approximately 6/30.

A few important notes:

10 or 11-year-old: If either of these teams win their District 3 tournament then the team(s) would continue practices most days on 7/5 through 7/9 and advance to the NC State Little League Tournament for their respective age. In 2016 the 10-year-old NC State LL tournament began 7/8 and ended 7/14. If the 10-year-old were to win the NC State LL tournament they would continue practices most days on 7/15 through 7/22 and advance to the Tournament of State Champions beginning 7/23 and ending 7/28 in Greenville, NC at Elm Street Park. Also in 2016, the 11-year-old NC State LL tournament began 7/12 and ended 7/18. If the 11-year-old were to win the NC State LL tournament they would continue practices most days on 7/19 through 7/28 and advance to the Tournament of State Champions beginning 7/29 and ending 8/4 in Greenville, NC at Elm Street Park.

12-year-old: If this team wins the District 3 tournament then the team will continue practices most days on 7/5 through 7/14 with the 12-year-old NC State LL tournament beginning approximately 7/14 and ending 7/20. If this team were to win they would advance to the Southeast Regional tournament most likely to begin Friday, August 4 and end on Thursday, August 10.

DISCLAIMER: The dates listed above are not confirmed dates but an overview based on dates from 2016.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Question: How much do team and sign sponsorships cost? Who do I contact about becoming a sponsor?

Answer: MPTLL has a variety of sponsorship options. Visit our sponsorship page to learn more or send an email to and a league representative will be in contact. Also, be sure and check out and support our current sponsors by visiting this page.

RULES & UMPIRES

Question: Do all games have umpires?

Answer: One of the primary goals of Little League is to teach players sportsmanship. In the T-Ball and coach pitch divisions, coaches act as umpires in the interest of teaching the players the basic rules. At the machine pitch level, one umpire is provided for each game. At the minor league and major league level, two umpires are provided for each game. All coaches, parents, and players are expected to show good sportsmanship and interact positively and respectfully with umpires.

Question: What are the rules for Myers Park Trinity Little League?

Answer: The Little League rule book governs all play, except for local rule modifications as outlined in our division rules. The purpose of these rules is to establish regulations by which all participants can have a structured, enjoyable experience with baseball. This includes rules that assist with equitable playing time and ultimately increasing the skill level of all players. In addition to Little League rules, Myers Park Trinity Little League has adopted local rules. Parents may find a copy of those rules by clicking this link.

FEEDBACK / ASK US A QUESTION

Question: I've looked through all the frequently asked questions and my question is not listed.

Answer: After tryouts, players are drafted by coaches to competitively balance teams. There are no television cameras and no bright lights and ESPN won’t be reporting live, and it won’t be scrutinized by professional analysts. However, MPTLL's draft is one of the most important events in the Little League experience. The entire goal of the league drafts is to ensure children have the best on-field experience possible based on their current skill level and age. Once drafts are complete coaches make contact as quickly as possible. Click here to learn more about the draft process.

Question: How are players placed on teams?

Answer: For T-Ball and Coach Pitch, players are randomly placed on teams while attempting to honor as many special requests (for teammates or coaches) as possible. All players above Coach Pitch must attend a tryout/skills evaluation prior to the season. At tryouts, players are evaluated on basic skills such as running, throwing, catching, fielding, hitting, and pitching to earn an overall skills assessment score. Teams are formed through a draft process and player evaluations are used to balance teams. Special requests are reviewed, but cannot always be honored.